Richard Gomes

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Richard Gomes passed away very peacefully Jan. 13, 2013, in his home in Penn Valley, Calif., surrounded by his wife, Janet, and his three children, Kelly Perey, Chris Kelly and Kevin Gomes. He was 77.

Services will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 25, 2013, at the Sutter Cemetery, 7200 Butte Ave., Sutter, Calif.

Richard was born in Colusa, Calif., Jan. 24, 1935, to Augustine and Ida Gomes. He had four brothers, Al, Ted, Bob and Dave, and one sister, Della. He attended Yuba City High School where he was a member of the FFA, which led him to major in soil science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

After graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he was trained as a pilot. He was in the Navy for seven years during which he flew A-4s off the deck of the carrier U.S.S. Coral Sea. Following his love of flying, he joined United Airlines and ended his 30 year career with them as a captain on the DC-10. After retirement, he and his wife shared time between Penn Valley and Anacortes, Wash., where he spent much time skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing and sharing memories and laughter with family and friends. He was an amazingly kind and caring man who had a sense of humor that he carried to the very last day. He will be deeply missed by many, many people.

He is survived by his wife; his three children; their spouses; and his 10 grandchildren.

We respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Hospice of the Foothills at 11270 Rough and Ready Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945, (530) 272-5739.